Sip, Stitch and Cruise with me in Portugal!
Sept 14-21, 2027
Discover the allure of cascading vineyards, picturesque villages perched on hillsides, and Porto's magnificent baroque architecture, all while indulging in your passion for knitting and crochet. Relax on board and take classes with top instructors. Step away from your needles and needlework to wander through the magnificent terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas as you taste exceptional Port wine straight from the source.
Sailing round-trip from Porto to Pinhão, you’ll enjoy guided daily excursions, exceptional cuisine with all meals included. Choose from inspiring onboard classes led by me, Chantal Miyagishima, Marly Bird, Julie Dubreaux (Julie knits in Paris), and host Lesley Synder (Rose Haven Yarn).
Why is this cruise special?
🚢Prime Relaxation Time - As stated in this recent WSJ article, craft retreats are the new burnout cure. Crafting cruises offer an extra escape from daily stress by combining your creative passion with the therapeutic benefits of travel and relaxation.
🚢Yarn is Front of Mind - Yes, most cruise ships have a crafting group onboard, but we are offering so much more than an unguided meetup. The classes aboard this cruise are taught by professionals who have specially curated the perfect lessons for a relaxing vacation environment. The entire ship is filled with fiber artists, so any time is knitting time and any place is perfect for crochet. the experience is designed for you and excursions will never conflict with classes.
🚢Portugese Food and Wine - Portuguese cuisine celebrates fresh seafood, hearty stews, and time-honored recipes passed down through generations, with flavors shaped by the country's rich maritime heritage and sun-drenched landscapes. there are many opportunities to taste the local wine and more during the excursions.
🚢Travel in Luxury with AmaWaterways - AmaWaterways is widely praised for exceptional service, comfortable accommodations, gourmet dining, and well-organized excursions. This is truly a luxury experience, designed with your relaxation in mind.
🚢For Crafters, By Crafters - At every level of this voyage, crafters are involved. Leslie is a LYS owner in Canada. All of the teachers are professionals. Joanne (of Expedia Cruises) regularly works with craft businesses to plan yarn focused voyages.
Itinerary
This schedule is PACKED. Remember, you can participate (or not) in whichever activities interest you. you get to decide how to spend your vacation.
Day 1 - Sunset cruises and riverside charm
Porto, Portugal
Board your ship and let the Douro River welcome you, with Porto’s illuminated waterfront casting a warm glow over the start of your journey.
Activities: Embarkation, Porto Illuminations cruise
Day 2 - Gardens, artistry, and timeless charm
Régua, Portugal
Wander through the serene streets of Régua and explore the elegant Palacio de Mateus, where exquisite gardens and ornate interiors offer a quiet glimpse into Portugal’s baroque heritage.
Activities: Mateus Palace and Gardens Visit
Day 3 - Discover enduring landscapes
Vega de Terron, Portugal
Soak in the gentle rhythms of riverside life before ascending to Castelo Rodrigo, a hilltop village where centuries-old streets and sweeping views capture the essence of rustic Portugal.
Choose an excursion: Castelo Rodrigo Tour with Tasting of Regional Fare, Castelo Rodrigo Hike with Tasting of Regional Fare
Day 4 - Wander the golden streets of Salamanca
Vega de Terron, Portugal
Journey to Salamanca and wander its sunlit squares and sandstone streets, where historic university buildings, ornate plazas, and medieval whispers invite you to step back in time.
Activities: Salamanca Excursion
Day 5 - Uncover Portugal’s winemaking traditions
Pinhão, Portugal
Glide through the heart of the Douro Valley to Pinhão, where terraced vineyards and centuries-old wine estates offer private tastings and an intimate glimpse into Portugal’s winemaking traditions.
Choose an activity: Local Quinta Wine Tasting, Port Wine Cellar Tasting, Quinta Da Roeda Dinner
Day 6 - Sacred stairways and culinary delights
Régua, Portugal
Explore Lamego’s sanctuary and winding staircases, then delight in traditional Portuguese specialties at a local quinta, savoring the flavors and culture of this sun-drenched region.
Choose an activity: Lamego Tour and Bolas Tasting, Holy Staircase Hike and Bolas Tasting, Lunch at a Local Quinta
Day 7 - Bid farewell and prepare for the journey home.
Porto, Portugal
What's incuded?
It's a lot. You can see that each day of the itinerary is packed. but there's so much more that you'll get onboard.
Activities
- All workshops/classes/lectures (materials may be extra)
- Daily excursions
Food and Beverage
- All gourmet meals onboard (Early Risers Coffee & Croissants, rich breakfast, festive lunch, afternoon tea & coffee with cakes and sandwiches, multi-course dinner). Ask for more info about special dietary needs.
- Free coffee, tea, ice-water and ice-tea are included all day.
- Complimentary coffee & tea station available 24 hours
- Local wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Cappuccino, latte and espresso can be requested free of charge during all meals
- A Captains Welcome Champagne reception and Gala dinner, and Captains Farewell Champagne Reception and Gala on the first and last nights. Plus complimentary “Sip& Sail” cocktail hour offering a “Happy Hour” menu on 5 evenings.
Onboard Accomodations
- Elevators on board operating between all deck levels except for the Sun Deck. Ask for more info about accessibility.
- Fitness Center and walking track
- Sun Deck
- Heated swimming pool
Entertainment
- Unlimited Internet onboard – strictly subject to availability
- Complimentary in-cabin movies
- Nightly piano music (also during Tea and Coffee Break in the afternoon in the Lounge)
FAQs
What does a cabin cost?
Cabins start at $8,318 CAD per person (double occupancy). Joanne can give you full pricing details via email.
Is there a deposit? If so, how much?
The deposit is $1000.00 Canadian. Joanne will also supply you with a link for travel and cancellation insurance.
Is there a payment plan?
Expedia cruises (Joanne) can set you up with a payment plan; There are monthly and quarterly options available.
How do I book?
Contact Joanne to book via her website, emailing jobrien@expediacruises.com or by calling 1-888-739-3117.
I an traveling alone, can you help me find a roommate?
Joanne will help you pair up with someone.
What crafts should I bring?
Knitting and crochet are the focus of the cruise, but you're welcome to bring anything of your crafts that fit in your luggage. Remember: On Flights to and from europe, you must keep your knitting needles in checked luggage or risk losing them at airport security!
Conclusion
A crafting cruise brings together your two greatest loves—fiber arts and travel—in an immersive experience designed exclusively for makers like you, with world-class instructors, fellow enthusiasts, and curated excursions that never compete with your creative time. This is a chance to return home refreshed, inspired, and brimming with new techniques, friendships, and memories that will fuel your passion for years to come.
The interplay of verdant hillsides and layered vineyards will spark ideas for your next warm pullover or an elegant shawl. Whether you’re stitching on the sun deck, sipping local port wine, or exploring riverside towns steeped in history, this is the perfect blend of creativity, culture, and connection.
